Travel guide
Murta Maria beaches map: 8 local beaches and 3 coastal walks
Davide Sanseverino A local Murta Maria guide for beaches, walks and easy days around Su Bisu, with a practical map, wind tips, Tavolara ferry details, and nearby spots from Marina Maria and Porto Istana to Capo Ceraso and Porto San Paolo.
You do not need to drive far to enjoy this part of Sardinia.
Around Murta Maria, Marina Maria, Porto Istana, Capo Ceraso and Porto San Paolo, there are enough beaches, coves, sunset spots and short walks to fill a full week without travelling across the island.
This map is designed for exactly that: local beaches and activities within easy reach of Su Bisu, with wind and access notes to help you choose the right place on the right day.
Before you choose: wind first, parking second
Around Murta Maria, the best beach is not always the closest one. Wind can completely change the day.
First, check the wind. Maestrale and Ponente usually make Marina Maria more exposed, while Grecale and Levante can affect the Porto Istana and Capo Ceraso side more directly.
Second, think about parking. In high season, the easiest beach on paper can become frustrating if you arrive late. Always check local signs carefully. In some areas, one side of a sign may allow parking while the other side is restricted. Look at the arrows on the sign before leaving the car.
If in doubt, choose an easier beach, arrive early, or bring less equipment.
Quick wind guide
Use this as a first filter, then choose for parking and access. On stronger days, comfort matters more than the beach name.
- Maestrale NW
- usually makes Marina Maria more exposed. Best beach: Spiaggia del Pescatore. Avoid: Marina Maria.
- Ponente W
- can make the Marina Maria side less comfortable for a long beach day. Best beach: Spiaggia del Pescatore. Avoid: Marina Maria.
- Grecale NE
- hits Porto Istana and the Capo Ceraso side more directly. Best beach: Marina Maria. Avoid: Spiaggia del Dottore.
- Levante E
- can make the Porto Istana side feel less kind on stronger days. Best beach: Bunthe. Avoid: Porto Istana.
- Libeccio SW
- often works well if you want warmth and the sea is staying calm. Best beach: Marina Maria. Avoid: Poltu Casu.
- Scirocco SE
- can be a warmer beach-day wind when the sea is calm. Best beach: Porto Istana. Avoid: Capo Ceraso.
Local beach guide
8 local beaches to explore nearby
1. Marina Maria
Marina Maria is the easiest local beach to use when you want a simple day close to Murta Maria. It works well for a swim, a sunset walk, or a low-effort beach day when the wind is gentle.
The lagoon behind the beach gives it a different feeling from the smaller coves toward Porto Istana. In spring you may see flamingos, and in the evening the light over the water can be beautiful.
The main warning is wind. On strong Maestrale or Ponente days, Marina Maria can become tiring quickly, especially if you are trying to sit under an umbrella.
Best for: easy local beach day, sunset, lagoon, wind sports
Distance from Su Bisu: short local drive or cycle
Parking: free and paid parking nearby; check local no-parking arrows carefully
Facilities: bar, food, drinks, kite and windsurf activity, pedal boat and beach rental options
Shade: limited umbrella rental; bring your own if staying long
Access: around 300m walk from some parking areas, depending where you park
Best wind: light breeze, Scirocco, Libeccio
Avoid: strong Maestrale or Ponente for sitting under an umbrella
Get directions: Google Maps
2. Bunthe
Bunthe is close to Marina Maria but feels quieter and more local. It is useful when you want to stay near Su Bisu without choosing the most obvious beach.
Because access is easy and parking can be very close, it is a good option for a short swim or a sunset stop. Bring what you need, because services are limited.
Best for: very easy access, sunset, quiet local beach, minimal walking
Distance from Su Bisu: short local drive
Parking: free informal parking very close to the beach
Facilities: no bar directly on the beach; Marina Maria bar is around 15 minutes on foot
Shade: bring your own
Access: almost no walking if you drive; walking to Marina Maria involves rocks and boulders
Best wind: useful when Grecale or Levante affects the Porto Istana side
Avoid: not ideal if you need facilities immediately next to you
Get directions: Google Maps
3. Porto Istana
Porto Istana is the classic beach in this area: clear water, Tavolara views, and a more organised beach setup than the smaller coves nearby.
It is also popular. In high season, go early if you want easier parking, umbrella rental, and a calmer start to the day.
Best for: classic beach day, clear water, Tavolara view, families, facilities
Distance from Su Bisu: short drive
Parking: paid or managed parking areas and road parking pressure in high season; arrive early
Facilities: bars, beach services, umbrellas and sunbeds
Shade: paid umbrella rental available, but limited in peak season
Access: easy, especially compared with the wilder coves
Best wind: light breeze, Scirocco, Libeccio; choose an open section for air circulation
Avoid: late arrival in high season; exposed days with strong Grecale or Levante
Get directions: Google Maps
4. Spiaggia del Pescatore
Spiaggia del Pescatore is one of the best local options when Maestrale is blowing. It can feel more sheltered than Marina Maria and has a quieter, more informal atmosphere.
There are no services, so bring water, food and shade. Parking is limited, and private access must be respected.
Best for: quiet local beach, Maestrale shelter, relaxed day with your own setup
Distance from Su Bisu: short drive
Parking: very limited, only a few spaces; arrive early and do not block access
Facilities: none
Shade: some natural shelter or trees in places, but bring your own
Access: reachable from the back; small, informal access feel
Best wind: Maestrale or Ponente, especially compared with Marina Maria
Avoid: days when you need services, easy parking or beach clubs
Get directions: Google Maps
5. Spiaggia del Dottore / Tre Sorelle
Spiaggia del Dottore and the nearby Tre Sorelle coves are among the most beautiful places on this part of the coast.
They are also less straightforward. The paths can be confusing and exposed in summer heat, so for many visitors the best way to enjoy this coastline is by boat.
Best for: swimming, boat day, beautiful coves, clear water
Distance from Su Bisu: short drive plus harder access, or by boat
Parking: limited and not straightforward
Facilities: none
Shade: bring your own
Access: best by boat; walking access can be confusing, hot and exposed
Best wind: Maestrale can leave this side more sheltered
Avoid: Grecale, Levante and very hot walking conditions
Get directions: Google Maps
6. Poltu Casu
Poltu Casu is wilder than the beaches close to Murta Maria and Porto Istana. The road and access are rougher, but the coastline feels more natural and less organised.
Bring everything with you and drive slowly. This is not a beach for services; it is a beach for quiet water, granite and a more elemental coastal day.
Best for: wild coast, granite boulders, quiet swimming, natural scenery
Distance from Su Bisu: short drive, then rougher access
Parking: informal; road becomes rough after the Li Cuncheddi / Capo Ceraso side
Facilities: none
Shade: limited; bring umbrella, water and food
Access: rough road, then some walking down to the beach
Best wind: calmer conditions; avoid rough sea
Avoid: if you need facilities, easy access or smooth roads
Get directions: Google Maps
7. Capo Ceraso
Capo Ceraso and Porto Quadu are for a slower, wilder coastal day. Expect granite, rougher tracks and no service structure.
This area is beautiful because it still feels untamed. Take rubbish back with you, avoid fires, and treat access roads and private property with care.
Best for: wild setting, boulders, mountain views, quieter coastal day
Distance from Su Bisu: short drive, rougher final section
Parking: informal; follow Google Maps carefully and drive slowly on the white road
Facilities: none
Shade: some natural shade in places if you arrive early, but do not rely on it
Access: drive toward the Capo Ceraso area, then leave the car and walk down
Best wind: calm sea, lighter wind days
Avoid: strong Grecale or Levante, and very hot midday conditions
Get directions: Google Maps
8. Porto San Paolo
Porto San Paolo is the practical stop for Tavolara ferries, boat trips, food and evening atmosphere. It is useful and lively, but it is not the best choice if you want a quiet dream-beach feeling.
The regular Tavolara shuttle runs from here in season. Check the official Tavolara Traghetti page before travelling, because times and prices can change.
Official Tavolara Traghetti times and prices
Best for: Tavolara ferry, restaurants, bars, boat trips, evening atmosphere
Distance from Su Bisu: short drive
Parking: easier than small coves, but still busy in high season
Facilities: restaurants, bars, harbour, ferry services
Shade: urban and coastal facilities, not a wild beach setup
Access: easy
Best wind: useful when planning boats, food or ferry rather than a pure beach day
Avoid: choosing it as your dream beach day; the harbour activity changes the feel
Get directions: Google Maps
Local walks
The 3 local hikes and walks
Hike 1. Vedetta Capo Ceraso
The walk toward Vedetta Capo Ceraso gives you a higher view over the coastline, Tavolara and the bays around Capo Ceraso.
It is especially good in the evening. Take proper shoes, water and a light, and start the return before it is fully dark.
Best for: sunset, higher views, Tavolara, short scenic hike
Start: Capo Ceraso side
Effort: short but uphill; proper shoes needed
Facilities: none
Best time: evening or early morning
Avoid: returning after full dark without a light
Hike 2. Porto Istana to Porto San Paolo
This is one of the best coastal walks in the Gulf of Olbia. It follows the water for much of the way, with views across the bay and toward Tavolara.
Use the Wikiloc route as a guide, start early, and leave time for a swim or a cold drink when you return.
Best for: coastal walk, swimming stops, Tavolara views
Start: far end of Porto Istana if possible, not necessarily the busiest main beach entrance
Effort: moderate coastal walk
Facilities: bar near the parking/start area, useful at the end
Best time: early morning
Avoid: midday heat, rough sea, strong Grecale or Levante
Hike 3. Lisandraggio / Monte Piccini
Lisandraggio is the walk to do directly from Su Bisu. No car is needed: leave from the house, head toward Via Lisandraggio, and walk inland before the heat builds.
Treat it as a fitness walk rather than a gentle stroll. Turn around when your timing or energy tells you to, and leave enough light for the return.
Best for: no-car morning walk, inland views, fitness
Start: Su Bisu / Via Lisandraggio
Effort: fitness walk, not a gentle stroll
Elevation: roughly from 80m up toward 300m, about 200m of climbing overall
Facilities: none
Best time: 7:00 to 9:00 or evening before sunset
Avoid: midday summer heat and returning after dark
Final Thought
Murta Maria is not only a practical place near Olbia Airport or Porto Istana. Used properly, it is a very good base for slow local exploration: swim, walk, cycle, find a sheltered cove, watch the sunset over the lagoon, or hike inland without spending the day in the car.
